Readings: Is. 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9.17-18a.19-20.23-24(R.2a); Phil. 2:6-11; Gospel – Mark 14:1-15:47.
Theme – Lessons in Self-Emptying
Sunday Synopsis
In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant. The second reading presents Jesus as a humble servant who though was in the form of God, did not count equality with him as a thing to be grasped. He [Jesus] was humbler yet to accept death, on the cross, but God raised him and gave him a name which is superior to all other names under heaven. The gospel presents the passion narrative with theological and pastoral insights. Jesus’ passion, which exudes his humility, humanity, resilience, and divinity, assures that if you imitate him, you will not be shamed.
Introduction
Friends in Christ, another Passion Sunday is here. Palm or Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It reminds us of the messianic triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to face his blessed passion and so enter his glory. Today’s liturgical ceremony is meant to concretise our hope. This is because palms are signs that we are willing to march with Jesus not only in moments of triumph and glory but also in times of fall and agony.
As we go in procession with the palms today, we are urged to proclaim Christ as our messiah without fear. Therefore, I would like us to reflect on the theme: “Lessons in Self-Emptying.” The theme is chosen because Christ faced his passion as a humble servant willing to lay down his life for his flock.
Background & Summary of the Readings
In the first reading (Is. 50:4-7), the Prophets Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant. He presents the suffering servant as one who willingly offers his back to those who strike him and his cheeks to those who tore at his beard. He doesn’t turn away from insults and spittle but depends on God as his helper. Finally, he says: “I have set my face like a flint, I know I shall not be shamed.”
The second reading (Phil. 2:6-11) presents Jesus as a humble servant who though was in the form of God, did not count equality with him as a thing to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant; being born in the likeness of men. He further notes that he was humbler yet to accept death, on the cross, but God raised him and gave him a name which is superior to all other names under heaven. That is why, he also states, that every knee must bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
In the gospel (Mark 14:1-15:47) which presents the passion narrative, we shall draw some theological and pastoral insights:
Pastoral Lessons
- Resist the charm of political power: While those in political authority are sometimes carried away by power like Pilate which makes them manipulate the Truth and use power arbitrarily, should resist the charm of office because political power is fleeting and only God is permanent.
- Shun Evil: While the wicked perpetrate evils such as kidnapping and violent attacks on innocent citizens in our country, our liturgy calls us to reflect on the supremacy of love other evil forgiveness other revenge.
- Be Gentle: While the unkind are reminded that kindness is stronger than anger, we are charged to be gentle because gentleness is always stronger than rudeness.
- Sue for peace: Amid the needless wars in Ukraine and Palestine, we are reminded that peace is stronger than war which means that we must pray and work for peace.
- Embrace Servant leadership: While we live in a world where power, arrogance and pride seem supreme, Palm Sunday liturgy challenges us to embrace Jesus’ humility while taking lessons in self-emptying.
Summary Lines
- In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant.
- The second reading presents Jesus as a humble servant who though was in the form of God, did not count equality with him as a thing to be grasped.
3 He [Jesus] emptied himself, taking the form of a servant; being born in the likeness of men.
- He [Jesus] was humbler yet to accept death, on the cross, but God raised him and gave him a name which is superior to all other names under heaven.
- The gospel presents the passion narrative with theological and pastoral insights.
Conclusion
Are you disappointed in life? Are you suffering from a deathly disease? Are you heartbroken? Are your children a nightmare to you? Have you been betrayed? Have you lost a dear one? Is your marriage on the verge of collapse? Is your life on the brink of the grave? Is your hand like superglue – making it difficult for you to be generous? Is there a particular sin that is putting reverse gear in your spiritual growth? Do you find it difficult to forgive? Do you see yourself changing for Good? Well, there is Good News for you – Jesus’ passion, which exudes his humility, humanity, resilience, and divinity, assures that if you imitate him, you will not be shamed. Therefore, give and don’t count the cost; fight and don’t heed the wounds; walk and never get tired, run the race of life and never get weary. May the blessings of Palm/Passion Sunday lead us through the Holy Week to a Glorious Easter celebration. Amen!
